CHATHAM — A 36-year-old Chicago Police officer was shot and killed Thursday night while trying to apprehend an armed suspect in the city’s Chatham neighborhood, officials confirmed.
Krystal Rivera, a four-year veteran of the force, was fatally wounded during a confrontation in an apartment building on the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue around 9:50 p.m., according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
“She was a mom,” Snelling said at an early Friday press conference. “She loved her job… and she wanted to make Chicago a better place. She wanted to make it safer. And we thank her for that.”
Officer Rivera Remembered As Dedicated And Courageous
Rivera previously spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times after graduating from the police academy in 2021, saying:
“For me, it’s a privilege… I come from a family of serving. To help people in need, that’s my calling.”
At the time of the incident, Rivera had already recovered two firearms earlier in her shift, Snelling added, emphasizing that she was “working extremely hard in the 6th District to get guns off the street, to save lives.”
What Happened Thursday Night
According to police, officers from the 6th (Gresham) District Tactical Team attempted to stop a man suspected of possessing a firearm when he fled into a nearby building.
Officers pursued the suspect inside and were confronted by a second person armed with a rifle. That individual reportedly aimed the weapon at the officers, sparking the confrontation.
During the ensuing chaos, Officer Rivera was shot, and both suspects fled through the back of the apartment. Three firearms were later recovered at the scene.
CPD has confirmed that one of the officers discharged a weapon during the incident, but it’s still unclear who fired the shot that struck Rivera.
“We won’t know that until the search warrant is served,” Snelling said. “The evidence that we collect usually tells us, and it gives us a story of what occurred in there.”
Emergency Response Hampered By Car Fire
Rivera was urgently transported by officers in a squad car to the University of Chicago Hospital. However, the vehicle caught fire en route near 59th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, forcing officers to transfer her to another patrol vehicle.
Despite their efforts, Rivera later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Another officer was treated for a wrist injury and was listed in fair condition.
Investigation Underway
The department’s Investigative Response Team is leading the investigation, and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified.
Multiple individuals have been detained for questioning, including someone believed to have been present when the rifle was aimed at officers.
Mayor And City Leaders Respond
Mayor Brandon Johnson, speaking outside the hospital, praised Officer Rivera for her dedication:
“Her young, energetic, and bold approach to keep us safe is the memory that we will honor… and let’s pray for her partner as well, who acted bravely and swiftly.”
CPD Statement Recap
In a statement, CPD provided the following summary:
- Incident occurred at ~9:50 p.m. on June 5 in the 8200 block of S. Drexel Ave.
- Tactical officers approached a man, who fled into a nearby residence.
- Officers were confronted inside by an armed offender.
- One officer was fatally shot, another injured.
- Three firearms were recovered.
- One suspect was taken into custody after fleeing.
A Life Of Service Cut Short
Officer Rivera is survived by her child and family, whose privacy officials requested be respected during this time of mourning.
The CPD, city leaders, and the broader community are expected to hold a memorial in her honor.
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